Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant
Friends of the Arava Institute
Newton, MA (Hybrid)
$60,000–$68,000 a year | Full‑Time | Exempt

Job Overview

Friends of the Arava Institute (FAI) is a U.S.–based nonprofit organization that supports environmental cooperation in the Middle East through its partnership with the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES). We are seeking an experienced Staff Accountant to support our core accounting operations and month‑end close processes.

This position is ideal for a detail‑oriented nonprofit accountant who enjoys hands‑on accounting work and collaboration, and who is interested in growing their skills over time.

This role does not include supervisory duties or ownership of audit or year‑end close.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process accounting transactions, including journal entries, accruals, prepaids, and deferrals
• Process Accounts Payable and credit card expense reports
• Complete general ledger and bank reconciliations and resolve discrepancies
• Support the month‑end close process in collaboration with the Director of Finance and Administration
• Prepare internal monthly financial reports

Development & Restricted Gift Support

• Reconcile DonorPerfect (CRM) data to the general ledger
• Maintain accurate QuickBooks and Excel records for donor‑restricted gifts
• Support documentation and transaction tracing for donor inquiries
• Process accounting for special events and projects

Budget & Reporting Support

• Enter approved budgets into QuickBooks and Excel using provided templates
• Review budget data at a high level to identify errors or inconsistencies
• Assist with budget tracking and variance review for projects and events
• Participate in budgeting processes as a learning opportunity, with increasing responsibility over time

Additional Duties

• Complete quarterly payroll tax reconciliations with guidance from the Director of Finance and Administration
• Support process improvement and documentation updates
• Attend staff and finance meetings
• Attend one in‑person board meeting weekend per year

Qualifications

• 3+ years of nonprofit accounting experience
• Proficiency in QuickBooks Online and Microsoft Excel
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Strong communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and able to work on‑site in Newton Centre, MA as required

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $60,000–$68,000 annually , based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Professional development support

How to Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected] .
Please include “[Your Name] – Staff Accountant” in the subject line.

Friends of the Arava Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Unlimited paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Newton Center, MA 02459